So, I’ve been watching BBC’s Merlin series (recently purchased and airing on NBC). I am a huge fan of the Arthurian legends, so I was a bit dissapointed at the previews for this show. However, I gave it a chance and it’s actually not too bad.
It differs a lot from the legends. 1, Merlin is Arthur’s age. Arthur is known to be the son of Uther, who is still alive (he wasn’t raised by Ector). Uther is King of Camelot (in the legends Arthur built camelot). And lots of other differences.
However, if you take it as it is, and not what it’s based on (meaning all you people who cry “The book was better” at every given turn shouldn’t even remotely watch this show) it’s pretty decent. I compare it to Xena/Hercules (similar genres). Hercules and Xena were immensely popular tv series and they were terrible. Half assed storylines, mixed with horribly cheesy acting. It’s little wonder Bruce Campbell eventually popped up in the series. Merlin is actually pretty good as far as presentation and acting. The only complaint I have about the series is Merlin when he’s being mischievious. When he comes up with an idea, and he gets that mischievious grin on his face… it’s the same cheesy, half grin, squinty eyed look Kelly Kapowski got on her face on “Saved By the Bell” when she was getting even with Zack… That’s really the only part that kills the show for me.